Maes-y-Neuadd

'Well located in this lovely area; friendly service, very good food,' writes a visitor in 2009. In immaculate grounds with spectacular views over Snowdonia, this 14th-century 'mansion in the meadow', owned by Peter and Lynn Jackson and Peter Payne, is liked for its peaceful setting and its staff, 'who really care about their guests'. The bedrooms vary in size and style; refurbishment is continuing. Some are 'inviting, cosy', but some annexe rooms may be 'functional, but small and dark'. 'I like being presented with a letter on arrival detailing the staff one is likely to encounter; also the complimentary bottle of sloe gin in the room.' Some guests are uncomfortable with a 'sense of officialdom' ('too many rules'), including a £10 charge for amending a booking. 'Good-sized, bright' sitting areas have oak beams, antique and modern furniture, inglenook fireplace. In the elegant dining room, with well-spaced tables, Peter Jackson uses vegetables, herbs and fruit from the kitchen gardens, and local meat for his daily-changing menus which might include warm game rillette with candied aubergine; roast loin of pork with pork confit cake, rosemary-scented potatoes. The 'well-chosen' wine list has a 'good range of prices'. Children have their own menu. (Jim Grover, GH, and others)